ART 180 starts new tradition celebrating local artists
Throughout the month of December, ART 180 is turning their exhibition space, Atlas, into a holiday market. Art and crafts made by artists who have either lead programs or supported the work of ART 180, along with new products developed by ART 180, will be on display and for sale just in time for the holidays.
The Atlas Holiday Market opens during the First Fridays Art Walk on December 5 with a reception 6-9 p.m. It will remain open Monday-Friday from 10-5 p.m. through Friday, December 19. Products range from paintings to pottery to wearable art, with prices from $5-$150.
After a 10-year run, ART 180 will not host their annual silent auction and good karma fundraiser, Art Karma. Acknowledging the costs of putting on that event and the demands on staff time to do so, ART 180 is focusing on an event that is smaller in size but still connects the Richmond community to local artists who care about young people and providing them with opportunities for creative expression.
“ART 180 is making a significant shift with the Atlas Holiday Market,” says Marlene Paul, cofounder and executive director. “By hosting a smaller but still great end-of-the-year party at our art center and gallery, Atlas, we can make sure that our mission remains the focus.”
The Atlas Holiday Market features multiple pieces of work from 18 local artists, including: Mehmet Sahin Altug, Mickael Broth, Elizabeth Coffey, Julie Elkins, Casey Freeman, Hamilton Glass, Ruchi Gupta, Todd Hale, Sarah Hand, Bizhan Khodabandeh, Aijung Kim, Matt Lively, Shuan Nelson, Bombproof, Heilbron Rushing-Cooper, Tyler Thomas, Suzanne Vinson, and Johannah Willsey (Phoenix Handcraft). The sales will be split between the artists and ART 180.
New products by ART 180 include their 2015 desk calendar, the Artists Coloring Book (curated by Chuck Scalin and Matt Lively), and a boxed set of ART 180’s Dear Me cards based on a special 15th anniversary exhibition that featured 52 adults writing letters to their 15-year-old selves and mixed media collages by ART 180’s Teen Leadership Council.
ART 180 will host an opening party for the Atlas Holiday Market on Friday, December 5 from 6-9 p.m. This reception is family friendly and open to the public. The party includes festive food andDJ Graybeard, known for his shows on WRIR, “The Other Black Music” and “Motherland Influence.” Atlas is located at 114 W. Marshall St. in Jackson Ward.
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ABOUT ART 180
ART 180 gives young people in challenging circumstances the chance to express themselves through art, and to share their stories with others. Since 1998, the nonprofit organization has worked with youth in the Richmond area to create art that explains and illustrates their feelings, thoughts, and experiences. Partnering with other organizations that serve young people, ART 180 designs projects that allow for self-expression, and creates venues for this expression in the community. The name reflects their vision of turning lives and communities around 180 degrees. ART 180 also operates Atlas, an art center for teens and gallery space for young people in Jackson Ward.
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